Cityscape of Cincinnati, Ohio

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See also: List of company headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio is home to numerous structures that are noteworthy due to their architectural characteristics or historic associations. The city also boasts Fountain Square, Cincinnati and a riverfront that is being revitalized under The Banks project.

Contents 1 Famous buildings 2 Fountain Square 3 Riverfront 4 Neighborhoods 5 New development projects 5.1 3CDC, The Banks 5.2 3CDC, Fountain Square 5.3 3CDC, Over-The-Rhine 5.4 EDD, Commerical 5.5 EDD, Mixed-Use 5.6 EDD, Residential 6 External links

[edit] Famous buildings

See also: University of Cincinnati#Architecture and University of Cincinnati Architecture

• Carew Tower Tallest building in Cincinnati and a National Historic Landmark; open air observation deck on 49th story; basis for Empire State Building
• PNC Tower 5th tallest in the world and tallest in the US outside of New York City when it was built in 1914
• Scripps Center Home of the world headquarters for Scripps Howard
• Ingalls Building The world's first reinforced concrete skyscraper
• Star Tower A free-standing TV/Radio transmission tower
• Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal a train station; now primarily a museum and example of Art Deco style. Amtrak station has returned to Union Terminal since renovation and offers one train per day.
• US Bank Tower
• Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art By Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, 2004 winner of the Pritzker Prize. Called by the New York Times the "most important American building to be completed since the end of the Cold War."
• Aronoff Center Performing art center, by architect César Pelli.
• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center was recently built along the bank of the Ohio river, part of The Banks Project.
• St. Peter in Chains Cathedral is the main Cathedral for the enitre Greater Cincinnati region. It's cornerstone was set on May 20, 1841-- and upon completion it became the tallest structure in Cincinnati for it's time.
• Isaac M. Wise Temple is the historic temple erected for Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise who was the founder of American Reform Judaism.

[edit] Fountain Square

Fountain Square, Cincinnati is a public square in downtown Cincinnati, located at Fifth Street and Vine. Its centerpiece is the landmark bronze Tyler Davidson Fountain. The square is a popular hardscape, surrounded by hotels, banks, department stores, and restaurants. The space was donated to the city of Cincinnati by prominent citizen Henry Probasco and dedicated on its completion in 1871 to his brother-in-law, Tyler Davidson.

In 1998 the fountain underwent extensive restoration. In September 2005 the fountain was temporarily moved to the Cincinnati Art Museum while Square was extensively renovated. The fountain was returned to a different location on the Square on August 19, 2006 in preparation for its re-opening sometime in early October 2006.

Fountain Square was featured in the credits of the television series WKRP in Cincinnati.

[edit] Riverfront

Being situated on the Ohio River, Cincinnati is home to several prominent bridges that connect the downtown to Covington, Kentucky and Newport, Kentucky. These include the historic and picturesque John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which served as a prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge; the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge (aka The Big Mac Bridge); and the Newport Southbank Bridge (sometimes referred to as the Purple People Bridge), which is the longest pedestrian-only bridge in the United States connecting two states.

Cincinnatians place a great value on the riverfront for its entertainment and economic benefits. The riverfront is home to both Paul Brown Stadium home of the Cincinnati Bengals, and to Great American Ball Park home of the Cincinnati Reds, as well as to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. "The Banks", a 40-acre site planned for future mixed commercial, residential and public recreational use is also on the riverfront. The annual WEBN Fireworks on Labor Day are celebrated at the river, as is Tall Stacks, the largest gathering of steam riverboats in the nation. Many cultural festivals are held at Sawyer Point, including the Cincinnati Blues Festival and the Cincinnati Celtic Festival, formerly held at Ault Park. Coney Island on the river several miles east (up-river) from the Downtown area, is on hiatus for 2006 and is expected to return in 2007 under new management.

[edit] Neighborhoods

Main article: List of Cincinnati neighborhoods

Cincinnati's unique geography nestles its neighborhoods in small basins and the hillsides that overlook them. Because of this, many of the city's neighborhoods developed very strong identities. Today's outer neighborhoods such as Clifton, Hyde Park, Mount Washington, Westwood, College Hill, and Carthage originally were settled as their own villages, with individual downtown sections of their own. Over-the-Rhine was an important neighborhood in German-American history. Northside also has its own identity.

Also highly important to the city's landscape is the division into "East Side and West Side." The division came about after the construction of Interstate Route 75, which runs North from Kentucky towards Dayton. The rivalry has been intense at times (limited violence or reported discrimination), but is considered mostly light-hearted, although a good number of city residents take the division more seriously. Accents, fashion, attitudes, city planning (i.e., the way the houses are laid out), financial demographics, and other items are some of the stereotypes and behaviors that separate the two distinctions. Though this division is often pointed to as a point of contention in the city, it has only led to limited incidents of violence or litigious discrimination, and is considered more of a "charming quirk" than a divisive hindrance to society.

[edit] New development projects

Much of the new development plans are run through the The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC). 3Cdc was formed in July 2003. It was created as part of the overall system to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of development activities in the City as recommended by The Cincinnati Economic Development Task Force. 3CDC works collaboratively with the City and the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority to take full advantage of each organization's resources and abilities. They plan to develop in three specific areas: The Banks, Fountain Square, Over-The-Rhine

Also, Cincinnati's City Manager Office organizes and promotes development within the city with the Economic Development Division. EDD serves as a liaison between the City and developers, development authorities, and development corporations that are seeking to promote development within the City. These are broken down into Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Residential.

[edit] 3CDC, The Banks

The Cincinnati riverfront will be revitalized under 'The Banks'.

• The Banks should create a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, diverse, pedestrian friendly urban neighborhood with a mix of uses, including residential housing, speciality retail stores, restuarants and entertainment, office and boutique hotel space.
• The Banks should fully integrate Central Riverfront and Third Street development to maximize economic potential, strengthen linkages with the Central Business District and build a critical mass to create a riverfront destination.
• The Banks development should be enhanced and better connected to the Central Business District by adding three infrastructure and amenity improvements:

1. Pedestrian plazas covering most of Ft. Washington Way.
2. A major new attraction "The Boardwalk at the Banks" on the west side of the development.
3. Exciting, usable green spaces and amenities, particularly in the center of the development.

• The design of the Banks neighborhood should foster a diverse, welcoming, pedestrian-friendly urban character and create a striking visual impression - a picture postcard for our community.
• Architectural guidelines, including building heights, materials, setbacks, signage, use, and design should be adopted and codified.
• The City, County, and private sector should collaborate to fund the public infrastructure and amenities required to attract and support private development including:

1. Developer land lease payments.
2. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from the City.
3. Allocation of a small portion of unobligated County sales tax revenues.
4. Subordinate bonds purchased by private lending institutions.

• The Banks development should stimulate economic inclusion among all ages, races and genders in all aspects, including design, construction, execution and operation.
• The Central Riverfront Area should be developed in phases to reflect market demand.

[edit] 3CDC, Fountain Square

Cincinnati's Fountain Sqaure is currently being renovated, and the distric itself is also undergoing changes.

• The 525 Vine Building recently completed a major renovation including a new building facade, street level entrance, new building lobby, and the creation of approximately 5,000 square feet of new street level retail space that now houses the newest location of Joseph A. Banks, an upscale men's retailer.
• In collaboration with 3CDC's renovation of Fountain Square, Fifth Third Bank will be overhauling the facade of the Fifth Third Center, the building which lies along the northern edge of the Square. The removal of the skywalk and stage area makes possible an exciting transformation of the building and the creation of vibrant new retail space.
• Construction is underway at the 580 Building with interior renovations and façade improvements. This investment by BPG Properties, Ltd. is an exciting opportunity for Sixth Street
• The Westin Cincinnatin Hotel, located directly south of the Square, is in the process of renewing their entire facility.

1. McCormick and Schmick's, a national seafood restaurant, opened November 16, 2006 and is the first of its kind in Cincinnati and only the second in Ohio. The restaurant occupies over 8,000 square feet of space on the first floor and nearly 6,000 square feet of banquet space on the second floor.
2. On October 16, 2006, Ingredients restaurant located in the hotel's atrium space opened serving up made to-order breakfast and lunch.

• Government Square is Metro's primary downtown transit hub, located on Fifth Street between Walnut and Main, directly southeast of Fountain Square. Government Square was opened on August 18, 2006 and is now utilized by over 15,000 people each work day. The redesigned Government Square includes upgraded passenger shelters, a new Fifth Street sidewalk, landscaping improvements, attractive design, public art, and free wireless internet service. The new Government Square provides improved safety, enhanced accessibility, and allows for improved traffic flow. For more information about this exciting project visit www.go-metro.com.
• Cincinnati's convention center recently underwent a $160 million expansion, renovation and reconfiguration of its downtown convention center. Work was completed June 22, 2006. The facility offers customers more space, more flexibility, improved access and improved pedestrian flow. Together with its easily accessible location and Cincinnati USA's outstanding regional attractions, the convention center re-establishes Cincinnati as a prime meeting and convention destination bringing new business and new job opportunities into the Greater Cincinnati community. The renovated facility boasts:

1. Nearly 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space
2. More than 100,000 square feet of meeting space including two ballrooms
3. 37 meeting rooms (size can be adjusted depending on users' needs)
4. A new, multi-level main concourse providing easy access to the exhibit halls and the meeting and ballroom levels above
5. More than 750,000 gross square feet including pre-function and support space
6. More than 5,000 adjacent parking spaces

• The McAlpin, 4th Street and Vine--This project entails the renovation of the former McAlpin's Department Store buildings into 64 quality, market rate condos, 4,000 SF of retail space and 74 interior parking spaces. The project restores several architecturally significant buildings and accelerates the revitalization of the traditional Fourth Street retail corridor. The project developer, MadisonMarquette, operates an onsite design and sales center - Studio M. Phase I of the project has been completely sold out but work has already begun on Phase II.
• 18 East Fourth Street--The former Fourth National Bank Building underwent a restoration that included 21 loft-style condominium units, commercial space, a rooftop terrace, and direct access to parking. The project helps re-established a historically significant building and promotes homeownership prospects in the Central Business District. In addition, Eighteenth East Fourth St. is centrally located within two blocks from the Fountain Square and the Red’s Great American Ball Park.
• Carew Tower-- Boi Na Braza restaurant will come to Cincinnati in 2007. Based out of Texas, Boi Na Braza is a Brazilian steakhouse that will occupy the former Limited Co. space.

[edit] 3CDC, Over-The-Rhine

3CDC is involved in a variety of projects throughout Over-the-Rhine. These projects are in various stages of development including some completed, several under development, and many in the planning stages. All these projects are guided by 3CDC's Over-the-Rhine Planning Principles and help contribute to the goal of creating a safe, vibrant, diverse, mixed-income community.

Construction is currently underway on 107 new housing units within one block of the corner of 12th and Vine Streets. In addition, 100 more units are planned each year for the next four years in the Washington Park area. Significant investment has already been made with The Art Academy of Cincinnati, The Ensemble Theatre, and The Know Theatre are already located within one block of 12th and Vine Streets. Plans are currently in the works for the construction of a new K-12 School for the Creative and Performing Arts just south of the park. The Cincinnati Park Board is in the process of planning the expansion and renovation of Washington Park, to serve as the anchor for the extensive future development.

In all, 3CDC's residential and commercial projects represent over $20 million in private investment in Over-the-Rhine to rehabilitate over 107 units of previously vacant housing.

• Gateway Condos, 1128 Vine Street--The Gateway Condominiums allow buyers to get in on the ground floor of the exciting developments that are in the process of reinvigorating the Washington Park neighborhood in Over-the-Rhine The 28 new Gateway Condominiums offer one the few opportunities to experience modern architecture in historic Over-the-Rhine. The Gateway condos sit on the northern edge of the Central Business District and serve as a gateway to the booming residential development in the Vine Street/Washington Park area of Over-the-Rhine. The location offers all of the attractions of downtown with the feel of a distinct residential neighborhood.
• Gateway Arts Building, 1133-35 Vine Street--Completed in August of 2006, the Gateway Arts Building now serves as student housing for the Art Academy of Cincinnati, which recently relocated to Over-the-Rhine. The two adjacent, attached buildings contain 12 apartments for 28 Art Academy students and advisors. In addition, the first floors of the two buildings contain over 7,000 square feet of available space, perfect for a variety of commercial uses.
• Vine Street Condos, 1201-15 Vine Street--The Vine Street Condos include 25 top of the line condominiums and over 9,000 square feet of commercial space spread across 6 adjoining buildings on Vine Street. Each of these unique buildings provides oppertunities for a wide variety of layouts and styles. Additional amenities include elevator access, secure parking, and stunning bay windows
• Urban Legacy, 1214-20 Vine Street--Urban Sites, pioneers in Over-the-Rhine condominium development, are in the process of rehabbing these two historic structures into 15 loft style condominiums and 6,000 square feet of commercial space. The wide open layouts of the buildings allow for maximum flexibility in design and Urban Sites brings a special attention to detail that makes each condominium a unique home. Amenities include rooftop decks, elevator access to all units, and secure parking.
• Bremen Lofts, 20-22 W. 12th Street, 1207-15 Republic Street, 1122-18 Race Street--Currently under development by The Model Group, the Bremen Lofts include 27 newly rehabbed condominiums and a 900 square foot commerical space spread across 9 nearby buildings. In addition to 21 market rate condominiums, the Bremen Lofts represents 3CDC's first development of affordable housing, with six of the units for sale at a reduced price to households making less that 80% of area median income. Each of the units offers unique designs, top quality construction and finishes, secure parking and more. Additional amenties include breathtaking views and easy access to the central business district.
• Music hall Square Garage, New 633 Space parking Facility to Serve Music and Memorial Halls--Music Hall Square is a proposed above and below ground 633 space parking garage, located directly south of Music Hall, bordered by Grant Street and Central Parkway. Project would include plaza on Elm Street, that would serve as an ideal gathering space before or after performances or other events. The garage and plaza will serve Music Hall, Memorial Hall and new SCPA on Central Parkway. The garage will have 8 levels and will be built between Memorial and Music Halls and will preserve the historic Pipefitter's Building on Central Parkway. 3CDC is currently working on financing and design for the new garage.

[edit] EDD, Commerical

Economic Development Commercial Projects---EDD’s commercial projects include the creation, expansion, consolidation and relocation of companies, and projects which are solely commercial developments.

1. Amantea Nonwovens Company Creation – Bond Hill
2. Bridge Worldwide Office Expansion – Downtown
3. CBS Personnel Holdings Expansion - Downtown
4. Cinergy Center Expansion and Renovation - Downtown
5. Convergys Corporation Retention and Expansion - Downtown
6. Formica Corporation Relocation - Downtown
7. Lab One Relocation & Expansion – Bond Hill
8. Sun Chemical Corporation Expansion – Winton Place

[edit] EDD, Mixed-Use

Economic Development Mixed-Use Projects--EDD’s Mixed-Use projects include projects which have more than one type of use – often a mix of residential and retail.

1. Calhoun Street Marketplace Development – Clifton Heights
2. Chemed Center Garage Expansion - Downtown
3. Fountain Square Revitalization - Downtown
4. The McAlpin Development - Downtown
5. Procter & Gamble New Hangar Development - Linwood
6. Queen City Square Office Tower - Downtown. It is important to note that phase II of the Queen City Square project will create Cincinnati's Newest Skyscraper, which would also be the tallest building in the Cincinnati Metro Region.
7. Village at Stetson Square: One Stetson Square - Corryville
8. Vine and Central Parkway Development – Over-the-Rhine

[edit] EDD, Residential

Economic Development Residential Projects--EDD’s Residential Projects are larger scale developments, which include For Sale and/or Rental residential properties.

1. Village at Stetson Square: Luxury Apartments - Corryville

[edit] External links

1. To see more about EDD development, go to: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cmgr/pages/-9152-
2. To see more about 3CDC developemnt, go to: http://www.3cdc.org/